Monthly Archives: February 2017

LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart, and colleagues stand in the Senate chamber on Thursday in honor of National Skip the Straw Day, held every year on the fourth Friday in February.

A student group at Whitehall Middle School known as the Coral Keepers — along with their advisor, Susan Tate — founded National Skip the Straw Day this year to encourage Americans to “give up the straw habit” and to help spread awareness about the damage caused by disposable plastic straws.

Note: Click the image for a print-quality version. This and other photos are also available by clicking Photowire, above.

“As a senator representing a district whose economy is strong in the areas of tourism and natural resources, a few months ago I requested a significant investment to upgrade our state parks system, which is sorely needed.

“I was particularly pleased today to hear that the governor’s budget does include a nearly $20 million upgrade for our state parks and $1.8 million for an increase in the number of conservation officers.

“In addition, the budget includes $3.8 million for an increased focus on the state’s wetland mitigation bank program, with a specific focus on creating or restoring wetlands on state land to both preserve and enhance our wetland resource base and help allow for the development of wetlands in other areas where appropriate.

“These investments will benefit not only the state, but Muskegon and the entire 34th District as well.

“This is just the beginning of the budget process; I look forward to working with my colleagues over the next few months to pass a balanced budget that includes these priorities.”